Providing elder law and estate planning services to the Walnut Creek, CA area. By elder law attorney, Michael J. Young

With the purpose of helping to prevent fraud and to protect identities, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), has redesigned Medicare cards. The new cards will no longer show the owner’s Social Security Number. The cards will still be red, white and blue, but will also not show the gender, signature and other personal information, all of which could compromise the Medicare beneficiary’s identity. The new cards will have an 11 character, randomly assigned number, that will not be connected or related in any way to the beneficiary’s other personal data.

All current beneficiaries are scheduled to receive their new cards no later than December, 2019. In California, the new cards should arrive between April and June, 2018. Beneficiaries are encouraged to ensure that the Social Security Administration has their correct address. Address changes can be made by contacting the Social Security Administration at ssa.gov/myaccount or by calling 800-772-1213, or by visiting your social security office. The Walnut Creek office is located at 1111 Civic Dr., #180, Walnut Creek, CA 94596.

Beware of scammers who are already trying to take advantage of unsuspecting beneficiaries by contacting them directly about their replacement cards. Please understand that CMS employees never call and ask for personal or private information about Medicare recipients. The CMS also will not charge a fee for the new card. Any such inquiries would be clear signs that you are dealing with a scammer.

This information is not to be taken as legal advice, is general in nature, and you are encouraged to see your Walnut Creek Elder Law Attorney.